Gavin Christiansen, 14, from Westside High School, survived a burst blood vessel in his brain in August, and now the community is rallying around to get him through his recovery.

It’s a full day’s work on rebuilding a foundation for Gavin as he recovers at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.

Gavin's blood vessel burst on Aug. 5, and without warning, he was unconscious and unresponsive.

Doctors at Children’s Hospital and Nebraska Medicine saved Gavin's life with surgery.

Now, since he can't follow his passion this fall on the football field playing for Westside, teammates are supporting him in a different fight as he works on his motor skills, speech and independence.

“It's so awesome to see how far he's come in four weeks,” Gavin’s father, Brian Christiansen, said.

Despite grueling therapy for hours a day, Gavin can be seen smiling and remaining positive.

“It's hard, but I need it,” Gavin said.

The message from his teammates and a Westside jersey tell Gavin to keep his eye on the end zone.

Gavin even got to a game last Friday with the help of a wheelchair.

“After the game, I pushed him out to shake the other team's hands and when we were done I said, hey buddy, we're on the 'W', and he got out of his wheelchair and he walked off the field as everyone cheered. People have been awesome,” Brian said.

A warrior on and off the field, Gavin is not giving up.

For those interested in helping Gavin, friends have organized a spaghetti feed fundraiser for Saturday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at Westside High School. Adult admission is $10, and that includes dinner.